Forums

Is it appropriate to meet with a hiring manager to learn more about a position before applying?

In the case of an internal position that is open is it appropriate to meet with the hiring manager to learn more about the position, possible fit, etc.?  If so what the best way to go about that?  I have the job description in hand, so I can certainly leverage that to make my own assumption as to whether I would be a good fit, but I figured it couldn't hurt to setup some type of informational interview to see what my chances are and learn more.

Mark's picture
Admin Role Badge

It will depend on the manager, and you better be ready to be interviewed.  If you overstay your welcome, or don't come across as someone he wants, (and this wouldn't surprise me from anyone because they would underprepare but the manager would still evaluate them), you may be ruled out before you even have a chance to shine (which if you follow our guidance you will.)

Would you also please listen to our cast about internal interviews?  While the cast was subtly different (being asked to interview rather than pitching it yourself), the fundamentals are dead on guidance for you here.

Meaning: go interview even without knowing.  See what happens.  Don't be so busy trying to be right that you end up missing a chance to be effective and to build your network and knowledge.

Mark

jmart041's picture

Great - Thanks for the feedback.  I'll definitely check out the 'internal interviews' cast for more insight.

RDHodgson's picture

I have a related question: is there a proper etiquette about approaching someone with authority within a company you'd like to work in, to begin networking with them? Obviously you wouldn't say "Yo cuz, gimme a job yeah?" - you'd be polite and you'd be brief in your initial correspondence, so as not to tax too much of their time. But is there anything else I should bear in mind? It seems like a good way to get to know people, to build relationships and understand the problems those people are tackling with, even if it doesn't lead to any direct benefit for myself. But I feel awkward about doing it.

---

Rory

6147

TomW's picture
Training Badge

If you're cold-writing them (sending them a letter/email when they have never heard of you and have no expectations of receiving such messages) your message probably won't even make it past their admin (or maybe even their spam filter).

Your best bet is when you are offering them something useful. Not what YOU find useful. What THEY find useful. Your question revolves all around the benefit to you and not the benefit to them. Until you can offer them something of value, you don't have much to say to them that will make you look good.

RDHodgson's picture

I couldn't agree more!

It's just trying to think of something useful to offer them that's hard. :D

---

Rory

6147

TomW's picture
Training Badge

That's why cold-calling someone is so hard. You have to (A)find out who they are, (B)  get to them in the first place and (C) have something that is interesting.

That's why people go to conferences, attend ToastMasters, hang out at networking lunches, and anything else they can to get past A & B and to learn what C might be.

RDHodgson's picture

Boom. That's super helpful. Thank you! 

I just hope it isn't super expensive to do so. I've been wanting to put Mark's advice into action, particularly the recent stuff about the Google search and finding business events. This gives me a nice focus for what to do next. But yeah, I just hope it doesn't cost too much to attend this stuff.

---

Rory

6147

GlennR's picture

@RDHodgson,

I've been in Toastmasters for six years. In the US the cost of membership is around $75 per year, half of which is billed every six months. The actual fee varies slightly from club to club.

Other ideas:

  • Get active in your profession's trade association. (Then you might create a scenario where you could invite that person you want to meet to serve on a panel.)
  • Industry association doesn't meet your needs? Start a Special Interest Group (SIG) composed of 6-12 people with similar positions and interests from different organizations. For example, when I was in Learning and Development, our local professional association wasn't meeting the needs of senior L and D staff. So we set up a SIG which met for breakfast every other month. Great ROI.